To succeed in the field of technology, passing numerous certifications is a must. One of the most important — not only for professionals, but for students and educators as well — is CompTIA A+. Launched in 2015, CompTIA A+ covers nine IT skills that will help you get ahead of your career.

Nail the exam by being prepared. Here are some tips:

Take a practice test

Try a CompTIA A+ certification practice test to prepare you. Many websites and review centers offer this, so go for the one with a good reputation and client base. Taking a practice test will show how test questions are structured and how long each chapter is. It will also help gauge your knowledge, allowing you to identify your strong and weak points.

Study the objectives

Know what to study for the exam by downloading the CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 blueprints on their website. The two objective documents give an overview of the test by breaking down their contents in nine chapters. It also shows the percentage of each chapter in the examination. Build your reviewer around these to familiarize yourself with the test.

Get your hands dirty

They say that experience is the best teacher. As CompTIA A+ is a performance-based exam, it’s only logical to know — or even perfect — the processes involved in handling and managing a computer device. Apply your knowledge to a real computer to know how its system truly works. Deconstruct, rebuild, and study it as a whole so you can answer even the most technical questions. Perfecting this will surely land you an A+.

Certifications are important in the IT industry. Nail the CompTIA A+ test so you have a good foundation in your career. Read and apply your learning to know how it really works. It also helps if you get a mentor who can guide you throughout. Good luck!